The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is subject to periodic review. The information paper discusses major issues to be considered in the current review and presents ABS preliminary views on these matters as a basis for public consultation. Issues to be addressed include: the principal purpose of the CPI; the population and regional coverage; frequency of publication, and the commodity classification and item coverage. Submissions to the review should reach the ABS by 7 June 1997. Results of the review are expected to be implemented in the March quarter 1998 release of the CPI.

Note: The CPI is published in 6401.0. Results of the 12th Series Review were published in 6450.0. Results of the 13th Series Review are expected to be published in March 1998.This information paper is also available on the ABS Website on the Internet (www.abs.gov.au).